A collaborative exploration of land-based art in New Mexico

Patrick Dougherty,Close Ties
Brahan Estate, Dingwall, Scottish Highland
Photographer: Fin Macrae


Combining his carpentry skills with his love for nature, Patrick Dougherty began to learn more about primitive techniques of building and to experiment with tree saplings as construction material. In 1982 his first work, MapleBodyWrap was included in the North Carolina Biennial Artists' Exhibition sponsored by the North Carolina Museum of Art. In the following year, he had his first one person show entitled, Waiting It Out In Maple at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His work quickly evolved from single pieces on conventional pedestals to monumental scale environments which required saplings by the truckloads. During the last two decades, he has built over 150 works throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.

In October, 2009 the Bosque School will present a site-specific work by Patrick Dougherty on the school grounds along the Rio Grande and create a student curriculum inspired by the work of Aldo Leopold in conjunction with the Aldo Leopold Centennial Celebration.

For more information about Bosque School visit www.bosqueschool.org

For more information about Patrick Dougherty visit www.stickwork.net